International and Domestic Success: MoonBike

Until 27 July, cyclists rode 163,735 km in the challenge of the UP

The Centre for Internationalization and Connections (CIC), University of Pécs has launched a unique promotional campaign that focuses on increasing the international visibility of the university.

MoonBike 2020 was launched by the Protocol and Events Office of CIC on 26 June, and it became an instant hit. The summer campaign promotes an active, healthy lifestyle while also building an online community. In less than one month, news of the challenge reached areas from the USA to India to Australia with the help of students, staff, partners, alumni, embassies, and Hungarians living abroad. Dr Tünde Szabó, State Secretary for Sports and Prof. Dr József Bódis, State Secretary for Higher Education are proud patrons of the programme.

David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has expressed his support and admiration of the project. UCI, founded 120 years ago, “is the worldwide governing body for cycling”. The President highlighted that the importance of cycling increased worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. UCI cited a WHO statement in which the health organization pointed out that using a bicycle for commuting “provides physical distancing while helping to meet the minimum requirement for daily physical activity”.

Our cooperating partners include the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club, Hungarian University Sports Federation, Hungarian Leisure Sport Association, and the organizer of the renowned Tour de Hongrie, Vuelta Sport Office. Bence Bicsák, currently the most successful Hungarian triathlete promotes the challenge as our alumnus.

The MoonBike promotional video reached nearly 7000 views. Volánbusz Transport Company Ltd. advertised the program to its 19,000 employees. Veolia Hungary Ltd. made a nationwide call and launched an in-house competition within the company’s group. Pannon Hőerőmű Ltd., as part of the Veolia Group and located in Pécs, sponsored the project with prizes.

MoonBike is promoted by many private individuals and more than 60 institutions, associations, and companies on their social media and websites. MoonBike Facebook posts have reached more than 30,000 people so far, followers of the page have doubled since the start.

Find out more and join the challenge at:

https://www.facebook.com/internationalspringbike/